Hill stations in Karnataka attract tourists from all over the world because they offer something or the other for people belonging to all age groups. Here is a brief overview of some of them.
Agumbe
Located in Shimoga district, on a plateau on top of Someshwara Ghat, Agumbe is surrounded by rich biodiversity. It is well-known for its serenity and scenic beauty. Hiking through the hills of Agumbe is an "out of this world" experience.
Agumbe Weather
Agumbe has the sobriquet "Cherrapunji of South India" because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest annual rainfall in India. Cherrapunji receives 11,777 mm.
Agumbe does not have varied temperature like the rest of the western ghat region since it is close to the coast.
It has a cool and pleasant climate for most parts of the year. The summer season, which lasts through March April and May, is quite dry and hot.
The temperature varies around the range of 30 to 35° Celsius and is not the most advisable time to visit the place for tourists who are from more temperate zones.
The winter season, which starts late December and lasts till February, is pleasant and mild. The temperature goes as low as 18° Celsius and the weather is pleasantly cold.
The monsoon season lasts from June to September and receives heavy rainfall. It is not a good time to visit Agumbe.
To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.
— Aldous Huxley
Madikeri
Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu district, is a beautiful hill station town. Kodagu district is known as the Scotland of India. Madikeri is nestled amid the emerald mountains of the Western Ghats.
Best Time to Visit Madikeri
Plan a trip to this hill station between November and March.
Madikeri Weather
Madikeri features a tropical highland climate. The mean daily minimum temperature is lowest in January at about 11 °C. Maximum temperature in summer is around 24 °C to 27 °C.
With the onset of the south-west monsoon, the temperature decreases in June and the weather becomes chilly. The lowest temperature recorded is 4.5 °C.
Nandi Hills
This picturesque, serene and popular hill station is located in Chikkaballapur district. You will enjoy the misty mountains and the brilliant sunrise here.
Amruth Sarovar, Tippu's Summer Palace and Fort, Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Horse Way, Palar River Origin, Brahmashrama, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tippu Drop, Arkavathi River Origin, Secret Passage, Children's play ground, Anjaneya temple, Nellikayi Basavanna, Antaragange, Baananthi Bande and Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple are some tourist attractions in Nandi Hills.
Nandi Hills Timings
6.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Traveling- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.
— Ibn Battuta
Kemmannugundi
Located in Chikkamagaluru district, Kemmannugundi means a place with red soil. This scenic hill station is 1,434 meters above sea level. It attracts wild life enthusiasts and trekkers from all over the world.
Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Kalhatti Falls, Shiva Temple, Mullayanagiri, Rajendra Hill, Rock Garden and Shanti Falls are major tourist attractions in Kemmannugundi.
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Kemmangundi:
Kemmannugundi, Manchethevaru, Karnataka 577129, India
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
— Mark Twain
Male Mahadeshwara Betta
Located in Chamarajanagara district, this hill station is also a pilgrim town; it is popularly known as MM Hills. The main temple in the town is dedicated to Shri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy.
Male Mahadeshwara Temple Photos
Biligirirangana Hills
Popularly known as BR Hills, this beautiful hill station is located in Southeast Karnataka. Covering an area of 540 square kilometres, this breathtaking tourist attraction houses different species of flora and fauna.
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BR Hills:
BR Hills Bus Stop, B R Hills, Karnataka 571117, India
Located in Chikkamagaluru district, this hill station is the birth place of River Tunga, River Bhadra and River Netravati. Temple of Goddess Bhagavathi and a 1.8 m Varaha image inside a cave are among the main tourist attractions of this place.
On an average Gangamoola records a rainfall of approximately 575 centimeters. Temperature ranges between 10°C and 35°C.
Gopalaswamy Hills
Located in Chamarajanagar district, this scenic hill station (1450m) is covered with mist for most part of the year. It is in Bandipur National Park. The hill station gets its name from the Gopalaswamy temple which is located here.
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Gopalaswamy Hills:
Chamarajanagar, Gopalswami Hills, Karnataka 571126, India
Yana is a small and quiet hill station located in Utttara Kannada district, in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats. It is well-known for its two black crystalline limestone formations.
This mountain peak is located in Western Ghats, in the middle of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the highest peak in Shimoga district. It has been marked as a natural heritage site by the Government of Karnataka.
Kodachadri Trek | Plan The Unplanned Walking through the trails within the Mookambika National Park, the Kodachadri Trek will tickle your senses and make you fall in love with nature in a way like never before. Fill your mind, body, and soul with the freshness that nature has to offer!
Kudremukh
Kudremukh literally means ‘horse’s face’. This place gets its name from one peak that resembles the face of a horse. Located in Chikkamagaluru district, this mountain range is a paradise for nature lovers, especially trekkers. It is at around 1894 meters above sea level. Its biodiversity attracts tourists from all parts of the world.
India is a vast country with different cultures in various states. Besides big cities, there are thousands of small towns across this great nation. These small towns are great to relax and rejuvenate yourself from the daily hustle-bustle of life.
Landour
Located in Uttarakhand, in the Lower Western Himalaya, this small cantonment town is a popular hill station in North India. It is around 6 kilometers from Mussoorie.
Nearest airport to Landour is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 60 kilometers away. Buses, cabs and share taxis are available from Dehradun to Landour. The town is well-connected by road.
Mawlynnong, which is also known as God’s Own Garden, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is around 100 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
Umroi Airport, which is around 30 kilometers from Shillong, is the nearest airport to Mawlynnong. From the airport you can take a cab till Khasi Hills Sumo stand at Bara Bazaar market. From here shared Sumo run till Mawlynnong. Package tours are also available.
If you want to get away to the mountains, Mawlynnong is just right for you. It offers you many opportunities to experience mother nature in all her glory. The people in this region are well-known for their hospitality.
Mawlynnong is a model of cleanliness. It was declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 and the cleanest in India in 2005 by Discover India magazine. Tidying up is a ritual that is taken very seriously here.
The living root bridges in the region (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are fascinating. Sky View, a 85-ft-high viewing tower made of bamboo, is another major attraction in Mawlynnong.
There are many more wonderful places to delight you here, like Mawlynnong Waterfall, cobbled streets bordered with thatched Khasi huts and Church of Epiphany.
Mawlynnong Hotels
I La Jong Guest House
Mawlynnong Umpohliew Homestay
Areca Cottages
Harud Wahduid Home Stay
Sahpyngngad Homestay
Ha la tyngkong Home Stay
Pumpkin StreamSide Guest House
Jainta Hill's Resort
Jaintiahill Resort
Kutmadan Resort
Mandawa
Mandawa is in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. It is at the heart of the Shekhawati region. This amazing small town is well-known for its forts and havelis.
Jaipur is the nearest airport to Mandawa, which is well-connected by road. Jhunjhunu Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Government buses are available from towns and cities in the region to Mandawa.
Murmuria Haveli, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli and Harlaika Well are the main attractions of Mandawa. The best time to visit Mandawa is between October and March.
Majuli
This river island (formed by River Brahmaputra) is in Assam; it is the cultural capital of Assam. It is the first island district in India and the largest fresh water island in the world. This surreal island covers an area of around 875 square kilometers.
Nearest airport to this picturesque riverine island is the Jorhat Airport, which is around 20 kilometers from Majuli. Jorhat Town railway station is the nearest railway station to Majuli. From Jorhat you need to take a ferry to Majuli.
Majuli puts you in tune with nature. It is a heaven for bird watchers. Many migratory birds have made it their home. There are 22 Vaishnava Satras (Hindu Vaishnavite monasteries and centres for art) in Majuli, making it a good learning center for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy. Kamalabari Satra, Garmur, Tengapania, Dakshinpat Satra and Auniati Satra are the main attractions of Majuli.
Best time to visit Majuli is between July and March. While you are here, remember to enjoy Assamese cuisine. Try Khar, Laksa, Tenga, Pitha and the Komal Saul cereal. It is a good idea to rent a bicycle to get around the island.
Ziro
Located in Arunachal Pradesh, this wonderful census town is at an elevation of 1,700 meters. Popularly known as Apatani Plateau, it is the district headquarters of the Lower Subansiri District. Ziro is around 167 kilometers from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Surrounded by the Himalayas, this quaint old town charms you with its stunning natural beauty, balmy climate, terrace paddy fields and pine hills. This region is home to the Apa Tani tribe.
Lalbari Airport, which is around 124 kilometers from Ziro, is the nearest airport. Naharalagun railway station (around 100 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. Ziro is well-connected by road. Government buses and shared taxis are available.
Ziro is a destination where you can visit any time of the year. It enables you to relax, rejuvenate and connect with nature. Tarin Fish Farm, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Kile Pakho, Shiv Linga, Meghna Cave Temple, Pine Grove, Dolo Mando and Midey are some places of interest in and around Ziro.
Matheran
Matheran is a hill station in Maharashtra. It is around 80 kilometers from Mumbai. It is well-known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, sunrise and sunset views, look-out points and pleasant climate. Matheran and its surrounding areas were declared an eco-sensitive zone in 2003. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed.
How to reach Matheran?
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport to Matheran, which is well-connected by rail and road. Reach Neral Station at the bottom of the hills.
A mini train operates between Neral Station and Matheran Station. I suggest that you travel in this train. This two hour journey offers you many opportunities to enjoy mother nature in all her glory.
Any time is good time to visit Matheran. Prabal Fort, One Tree Hill Point, Louisa Point, Echo Point, Lake Charlotte, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, Hart Point, Panaroma Point, Monkey Point, Shivaji's Ladder, Alexander Point, Honeymoon Hill, Little Chowk Point and Olympia are the main attractions here.
Valparai
This hill station, which is around 3,500 feet above sea level, is in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Western Ghats. Well-known for its scenic beauty, Valparai offers view points, wild life, rivers, waterfalls, forests, estates and dams.
Coimbatore International Airport, which is around 124 kilometers from Valparai, is the nearest airport. Coimbatore junction is the nearest railway station. Buses and cabs are available from Coimbatore to Valparai.
Sholayar Dam, Monkey Falls, Kadamparai Dam, Number Parai, Nallamudi Viewpoint, Loam's Viewpoint, Tiger Valley, Aliyar Dam, Balaji Temple, River Koolangal, Nirar Dam, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Grass Hills, Karamalai Annai Velankanni Church, Chinnakallar Waterfalls, Athirapally Falls, Chitti Vinayagar Temple, Manampalli Forest and Carver Marsh Monument are main attractions in and around Valparai.
Yana
Located in Utttara Kannada district, in the lush evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, Yana is famous for its unusual karst rock formations. These rocks delight trekkers. Yana's lush green backdrops, beautiful hillocks and dense forests beckon nature lovers from all over the world.
Goa International Airport, which is around 127 kilometers, is the nearest airport to Yana. Kumta railway station, which is around 25 kilometers, is the nearest railway station. It is a good idea to take a cab from airport/railway station to Yana.
Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (120 meters) and the Mohini Shikhara (90 meters) are the main attraction of Yana. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu (in the form of Mohini) killed the evil demon Basmasura at this place.
Chikmagalur
Located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range (a trekker's delight), Chikmagalur is famous for its hills, valleys, verdant greenery, picturesque landscapes, and dark, rich and smooth coffee. It is a melting pot of different cultures.
Mangaluru Airport, which is around 158 kilometers from Chikmagalur, is the nearest airport. The town is well-connected by rail and road. It has nice hotels. I stayed at the Gateway Hotel when I visited there last time.
We drove from my place to this beautiful small town. I still remember driving to the peak (well, almost) of Mullayanagiri, enjoying the beauty of nature on the way. We visited Baba Budangiri, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and other places. It was fun. My son enjoyed this trip very much.
Any time is good time to visit Chikmagalur, which has a pleasant climate. Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, Kemmangundi, Kondadarama Temple, Hebbe Falls, Sharadamba Temple, Jamia Mosque, Kalhatti Falls, Baba Budangiri, Siddheshwara Temple, Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Saint Joseph's Cathedral are the main attractions in and around Chikmagalur.
An amazing place. The road leading to the hill is very beautiful and the last stretch, just before you reach your destination is too dangerous. Its best if you hire an experienced driver. The trek to the hill top is thrilling.
— ManishPreeti, about Mullayanagiri
Agatti Island
This 7.6-km-long island is located on a coral atoll (known as Agatti atoll) in Lakshadweep. It is at a distance of 459 kilometers from Kochi. Agatti Island is famous for its aquatic diversity (including coral growths, multi colored coral fishes and sea turtles), turquoise waters, white sands and waving coconut trees. Its natural beauty is enchanting.
Agatti Island has an airport, the Agatti Aerodrome. Flights are available from Bengaluru and Kochi to the island. You can also take any of the five passenger ships (MV Kavaratti, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi, MV Arabian Sea and MV Minicoy) that operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep. The duration of the journey is around 15 hours.
Public Library, NIOT Sea Water Desalination Plant, Anthropological Museum, South Beach, Eastern Jetty and Lagoon Beach are the main attractions of Agatti Island.
Agatti Island Beach Resort and Bangaram Island Resort are two good places to stay in Agatti Island. There are five villas in Agatti Island Beach Resort. Bangaram Island Resort is a casual beachfront resort. It offers pared-back rooms in thatched huts. These resorts are child friendly.
Image taken from Wikimedia Commons | Source
Nako
Nestled in the Himalayas, this picturesque, unspoilt and serene small town is famous for its beautiful lake and Buddhist chortens. It is in Himachal Pradesh. Since it is located within the restricted region near the Tibetan border, if you are not an Indian citizen, you will need an Inner Line Permit. The permit is available in Shimla for free.
Shimla airport (which is around 332 kilometers) is the nearest airport to Nako. Buses and cabs are available from the airport to Nako. Best time to visit this enchanting small town is between April and October.
After a hectic week in the office, it is natural to crave for a refreshing weekend. If you are located in Bangalore, you have many opportunities to make the most of your weekend. In fact many weekend getaways from the city are popular tourist attractions. Here is a brief overview of some of them.
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta
Located near Kanakapura, this hill is around 70 kilometers from Bangalore. There is a temple dedicated to Shri Ranganatha on top of the hill. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta (elevation: 3,780 feet) attracts many trekkers.
Trekking Trail starts from Koonala Doddi. This trek is a moderate one with a well marked path up till the peak. Uphill trek takes around 2½ hours and downhill around 1½ hours.
You can reach Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta by KSRTC bus or cab. It is around 16 kilometers from Kanakapura. Visit between August and January.
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta Photos
Dodda Alada Mara
Dodda Alada Mara (big banyan tree) is located in Kethohalli. This 400-year-old banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) is around 25 kilometers from Bangalore; around 7 kilometers from Mysore Road.
This giant banyan tree covers an area of around 3 acres. It is the largest tree in Karnataka and the second largest tree in India. Its circumference is more than 250 meters. It has over 1,000 aerial roots. You can reach Dodda Alada Mara by BMTC bus or cab.
Dodda Alada Mara Timings
Opening
Closing
9.30 am
6.30 pm
Nandi Hills
This tourist attraction is a popular trekking destination in the region. It is 4,851 feet above sea level. Nandi Temple, Brahmashrama, Amrita Sarovar, Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Tipu's Summer Residence Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, fort, Horse Way, Palar river origin, Arkavathi river origin, secret passage and Tipu's Drop are the main attractions of Nandi Hills. Paragliding over misty hills and valleys is an amazing experience.
Chikballapur (CBP) railway station is around 9 kilometers from Nandi Hills, and Kempegowda International Airport is around 58 kilometers. You can reach Nandi Hills by KSRTC bus or cab. Best time to visit is between October and June.
Nrityagram
Established by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri in 1990, Nrityagram dance village is located at Hesaraghatta, around 30 km from the city. It is India's first modern Gurukul (residential school) for Indian classical dances.
Designed by Gerard Da Cunha, an Indian architect based in Goa, this ethnic dance village offers training in Indian classical dance forms like Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Manipuri.
You can reach Nrityagram by BMTC bus, cab or auto rickshaw. Vasantha Habba, an annual festival, is celebrated in February. Visit between February and April or between October and December.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
Shivagange
Shivagange is a hill (804.8 meters) near Dobbaspet. It is around 54 kilometers from Bengaluru and is well-connected by road. You can reach Shivagange by KSRTC bus or cab.
It is a pilgrimage center for Hindus. It is also known as Dakshina Kashi or Kashi of South India. There are many temples in this region, including Gangadhareshwara temple, Olakala Teertha, Nandi Statue and Patala Gange.
You will find many water spots while ascending the hill. People believe that the water in these locations is the holy water of River Ganga. That is why the place is known as Shivagange, which means Shiva's Ganga.
Trekking and rock climbing are popular activities in Shivagange. You will find many rock structures here. The scenic beauty of Shivagange is mesmerizing. The panoramic view from the top, near the Nandi statue, is superb. Visit between October and March.
Shivagange Trekking
With man made steps and railings for support, Shivagange offers you a steady trek. You will find an underground spring named Olakala Teertha during the trek.
Muthyala Maduvu
Also known as Pearl Valley, Muthyala Maduvu is located in Thammanaikanahalli near Anekal. It is around 40 kilometers from Bangalore.
This small and cute waterfall is nestled in a valley. The drops of water strewn from the rock surfaces on impact give the appearance of scattering pearls. Hence this name Pearl Valley.
It is surrounded by hills. There is a Shiva temple near the waterfall. We had to deal with many monkeys when we visited. They kept my son happy. Visit Muthyala Maduvu between August and November. It is reachable by bus or cab.
Ramanagara
Located around 53 kilometers from Bangalore (Bengaluru-Mysuru highway National Highway 275, and State Highway 3), this town is also known as Ramgarh, silk city, the land of the seven hills and Closepet. It has an average elevation of 747 meters. Many granite outcrops in the region have made it a heaven for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Some of the earliest rock climbing efforts in South India were concentrated around this region. The compact hills and seemingly vertical rock faces make for great technical climbs. With bolts put in by local climbers, climbing should not be too challenging.
Legend has it that Lord Rama visited this place while on exile and stayed on the hills that are now known as Ramadevara Betta. Sholay, a 1975 Indian action-adventure film, was shot here over a two-and-a-half year period. Some scenes of David Lean’s A Passage to India were shot here in 1983 and 1984.
Long-billed, Egyptian and white-backed vultures have been roosting in the hills of Ramanagara for several decades. These are the three species found in Ramanagara out of the nine found in India. The region also houses animals like leopard, bear, yellow-throated bulbul and peacock.
Ramanagara Tourism
Arkeshwara Temple, Janapada Loka, Kanva Reservoir, River Arkavathi, 600-year-old Malleshwara Temple, Banni Mahakali Temple, Karkhaane Bande, Chamundeshwari Temple, lake in Rangarayara Doddi and Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple are some attractions in the region.
Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest airport to Ramanagara. The town is well-connected by rail and road. You can reach the town by KSRTC bus or cab. Visit during winter months.
Indian Vulture in Ramanagara
Image from Wikimedia Commons | Source
Chunchi Falls
Chunchi Falls is a remote waterfall in Madarahalli, which is around 83 kilometers from Bangalore. This scenic waterfall is fed by River Arkavathi and is surrounded by greenery. You can reach Chunchi Falls by KSRTC bus or cab.
Makalidurga
Makalidurga, a trekkers' paradise, is around 60 kilometers from Bangalore. It is the nearest railway trek to Bangalore. This region is an eclectic mix of hills, forests, lakes and forts.
The trek will take you to the famous Makalidurga fort, which is located right on the top of a granite hillock. There is a Shiva temple on top of the hill. Legend has it that great rishi Markandeya performed penance here.
Makalidurga is well-connected by rail and road. You can reach here by train, KSRTC bus or cab. If you are a trekking, rappelling or rock climbing enthusiast, you will enjoy your trip to Makalidurga.
Anthargange
Located around 70 kilometers from Bangalore, Anthargange (which means inner stream) is a favorite among rock climbing, trekking and cave exploration enthusiasts. It is around 1,700 meters above sea level.
This rocky hill range is well-known for its volcanic rock formations. A perennial spring that is in the Kashi Vishweshwara temple on the hilly range adds to the mystery of the place.
Kolar Railway Station (around 3 kilometers) is the nearest railway station to Anthargange. You can reach this place by cab or tempo. Kempegowda International Airport (around 74 kilometers) is the nearest airport.
